[The antenatal ultra-sonic diagnosis of ascites in the newborn (author's transl)].

The antenatal diagnosis of fetal ascites by ultrasonography is possible by the typical finding of a zone free of echos in the fetal abdomen. Among 7,833 newborns 2 live born infants with fetal ascites were observed. The fetal prognosis can be improved by early diagnosis and differential diagnostic tests during the pregnancy. The antenatal diagnosis includes a search for hydrops, congenital anomalies of the heart, anomalies of the lower urinary tract, intra-abdominal calcifications and diagnosis of the sex. Infectious causes such as syphilis, toxoplasmosis, cytomegaly and hepatitis must be excluded. Delivery may have to be by cesarean section paracentesis of the fetal ascites through the maternal abdominal wall may be necessary. A neonatalogist must be present at birth. The neonatal diagnosis of the ascites starts with a flat plate of the abdomen in search of calcifications, bowel distensions, and pneumoperitoneum. Intravenous pyelogram and cystography show urine-ascites which has the best therapeutic prognosis. The investigation should be finished within 12 hours after birth. Acute respiratory distress may require neonatal paracentesis.